Should We Report Our Stolen Birth Certificates?

Report the theft to the police first

If your birth certificates have been stolen, whether during a burglary or as a targeted theft, you can report it to the police. You can do this at your local police station or through your local force's website, though be aware that some forces may not accept reports for stolen documents alone.

Ask for a crime reference number. This confirms you reported the incident and creates a record that may be useful if your identity is later misused.

Thieves often target birth certificates for the personal information they contain, rather than for immediate resale value. This makes it sensible to act quickly, even if nothing else was taken.

Why stolen birth certificates matter

A birth certificate on its own is not enough to open a bank account or take out credit. However, it can be a useful building block for someone attempting identity fraud. Combined with other information, perhaps gathered from post, social media or further theft, it may help a fraudster build a convincing false identity.

The risk is higher if birth certificates were the only items stolen. This may suggest the theft was deliberate rather than opportunistic.

You cannot prevent every possible misuse, but taking a few practical steps will reduce your exposure and create a paper trail if problems do arise.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Order replacement certificates

The General Register Office holds records of births, deaths and marriages in England and Wales. You can order replacement birth certificates through GOV.UK. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own registration offices.

You can let the office know that your original certificates were stolen when you order replacements. This does not create an official flag on the record or block the certificates from being used, but some people find it helpful to have the conversation noted.

There is a fee for replacement certificates. Check GOV.UK for current prices.

Additional steps to protect yourself

Consider adding a CIFAS protective registration marker to your credit file. CIFAS is a fraud prevention service used by banks and lenders. A protective registration tells companies to carry out extra identity checks before opening accounts in your name. There is a small fee for this service, and you can apply through the CIFAS website.

You may also want to:

• Check your credit reports with Experian, Equifax and TransUnion for any unfamiliar applications or accounts
• Set up alerts on your credit file so you are notified of new searches
• Watch for unexpected post, such as letters about accounts or services you did not apply for
• Be alert to missing post, which could suggest mail redirection fraud
• Review your privacy settings on social media and limit what personal information is publicly visible

If you spot signs that someone has used your identity, report it to Action Fraud online or by phone. They are the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. They will record the incident and provide a crime reference number, though they do not investigate every individual case.

Many people who have documents stolen do not go on to experience identity fraud, though the risk remains present. Taking these steps early gives you a reasonable level of protection and makes it easier to deal with any problems that do occur.